Cisco unveils Umi home videoconferencing

Cisco Systems introduced Umi, a home telepresence system that uses high-definition TVs and also works with Google Video Chat.Umi uses a console device, a remote and a camera unit with five microphones that sits on top of the TV, Cisco announced in San Francisco on Wednesday.It will cost $599 for the equipment and $24.99 per month for Cisco’s service, which will include cloud-based contact lists and stored video. The system can be ordered now and will be available beginning Nov. 14 at the Magnolia high-end electronics stores at Best Buy.Verizon Communications, which has been running trials of the service, will offer it to its home broadband customers beginning early next year.